Ellwood City Borough Council Reorganizes, Sets 2022 Meeting Dates

Ellwood City Borough Council held its reorganizational meeting Monday night.

Newly elected Mayor Anthony Court was administered his oath of office by Jerry Cartwright, magisterial district judge.

Court then administered the oath of office to the newly elected council members: Jim Barry, Michele Lamenza, Brad Ovial, and Jan Williams.

Ovial joined council after Councilwoman Lisa Guerrera resigned in August. Her term was set to expire on December 31, 2021. Guerrera had moved out of the borough, leaving her legally unable to fulfill the rest of her term.

Ovial and Williams both submitted letters of interest in filling the vacant seat at that time. Council voted to appoint Ovial to the position.

Williams is new to council. In a May 2021 Primary Election Q&A, she offered her perspective on three of the biggest issues facing Ellwood City as well as solutions for those issues:

• “No vision for the city. My goal is to work with council to create a vision. I feel that this is important to have so you can create short term goals that align with the vision for the city. When you do not have one, you are just paying bills with no direction.”
• “The Business District on Lawrence Avenue. My goal is to help bring more businesses to Lawrence Avenue. At the current moment, I’m still researching for a solution.”
• “Communicating with the community about borough business. The communication to the residents of the city needs improvement. I would like to look into utilizing the vendor for the electric bills to have additional information added in order to notify the community of changes or items.”

Council also elected officers for 2022. George Celli will continue as council president. He was the only member to be nominated. Williams was the sole “No” vote. Barry will continue as council vice president. He was the only nomination, and Williams again voted “No.”

Celli said committee appointments will be announced at a later date.

Council also voted unanimously to approve the two-year employment agreement for Borough Manager, David Allen.

The officials also set meeting dates for 2022. Committee of the Whole meetings will be held the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. Regular Council Meetings will be held the third Monday of the month at 6 p.m.